I am trying to determine what my draw length will be with a longbow. I am having one custom made and need this info for the maker. Anyone?

Thanks, LT

Do you have access to a bow with a similar draw weight that you plan to use at your draw length?

Then simply measure how far you are drawing an arrow to the back of the riser, you can relay that info to the builder. You can use a plain arrow and a bread tie to mark the position.
The problem with going through all this now is that your draw length will most likely evolve if you are new to this and your muscles strengthen and things start to stretch out a bit.
Don't be surprised if you order this bow at a certain weight at a certain draw and you wind up shooting it a few lbs heavier at a longer draw length at some point in the future.

I agree with Matt about your draw probably changing. I'd really suggest getting a used bow to start with and get form down before going to a custom.

Below was taken from Black Rhino website:

Another way is to take your compound draw (assumingdraw lengthwas correct) and subtract an inch which is about average from moving from compound to trad.

The only way to know for sure is to draw a bow that has the same/similar grip and draw weight. I've tried all the "tricks" I have ever seen to guesstimate draw length without a bow (including the yard stick) and none of them work for me. I figure they will work for some, but don't bet the house on it.

I'll third the fact that as you develop your form and shooting muscles your draw length will change.

Chad

Well said LBR.

Good Info guys. Thank you all for the input.

Concerning my muscles developing and draw length changing, I am not sure I understand. So if I say have a 64" bow at 45lbs and my drawlength is 26.5 inches, is this bow not going to fit after a while, or can the draw length be changed on the same bow. I know, I am ignorant right now to all the trad stuff. Someone have an answer for me on this?

Thanks in advance,

LT

The bow itself doesn't truely have a "draw length" in the sense that a compound does. It has a certain draw weight at a given draw length. The further you draw it the higher the draw weight. Due to this, the standard is to give the weight at 28" draw length. If your bow is 60# @ 28" and you draw it 27" you'll be shooting it at about 56-57# depending on the bow. If you're a gorilla and draw it to 30" you may be shooting as much as 68#, same bow, no changes, just pulling on it more or less.

L.T., when you start shooting you have a lot to learn and muscles to develop. Most likely you'll change your form, anchor point, etc. as you figure out what works for you. Different anchor points can change your draw length, properly using and developing your back muscles will give you a longer draw length, most folks will draw a little longer on a lighter weight bow vs. a heavier draw weight due to muscle compression, etc. etc. etc.

I've been shooting for 15 years or better. I've pretty well established my form and my shooting muscles are in decent shape. Even now, my draw length can vary 2" or more depending on the grip style and draw weight.

It shouldn't damage the bow, but I have heard of a few that were built specifically for a certain draw and drawing much over that broke the bow. Usually you'll just be pulling a little more weight, and in some cases you could get some "stack"--this is when you go from gaining 2-3 lbs per inch of draw to 5# or more per inch. Feels like you hit a wall in the draw.

That's the reason it's usually best for someone just getting into the sport to go cheap (unless you just have the spare cash lying around)--you don't yet have any idea what you want or need in a custom bow, and it will take some time to figure it out. The only way to figure it out is to shoot.

Chad

Just to add. When you order a custom bow you are getting a bow whoselimbs are designed to be optimum at your draw length. If you go much past the draw length, the bow is going to start to stack on you. That is, is will start to load heavier past a certain point. It maybe loading up at 2 1/2 pounds per inch up to your draw, but after the stated draw it maybe loading at 4-5 pounds per inch. At some point it will feel like a wall and your limbs will be loaded past what they were intended for.

You can shoot a bow a little below and above your draw lenght, but when getting a custom, it is made just to your specifications. That's why most of us said to perhaps start with something other then a custom. But if $$$ does not play a part, then that could be irrelevant. The little shortcuts should get you close to your draw, but never exact.

Don't get me wrong, I have Bob Lee limbs that are cutom made at 61#'s at 27",that I shoot at 29". But, I never would have ordered those limbs new as customs from the Lee shop. I would have gottem them at 29".

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am so glad I asked these questions before committing to the custom route.

Now I have another question. How Cheap? I mean should I go find a used bow? A low end bow? Ebay bow? What are some brand/models I should be looking at for a starter/practice bow? This will really help me along guys. And thanks again for the info.

LT